Telescopic Cascode OTA Pole Shaping for Low-Power Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Low power operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) in wireless communication devices require high power consumption to meet timing requirements, particularly in delta-sigma analog-to-digital converters, which is inefficient and contradicts the need for low power consumption in mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A single-stage telescopic cascode operational amplifier with a differential transistor pair and a capacitive element introducing a second frequency pole, reducing power consumption while maintaining performance by optimizing phase margin and response time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the OTA uses large power consumption to meet timing requirements in delta-sigma ADC, then the timing requirement is satisfied, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming requirementVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second frequency pole (higher frequency than the first frequency pole) through a capacitive element coupled between the first and second nodes. This parameter change in the frequency response characteristics allows the OTA to achieve better phase margin (40-90 degrees) and meet timing requirements with reduced power consumption, resolving the contradiction between speed and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the OTA reduces power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but response time may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing the second frequency pole at a higher frequency than the first frequency pole, the patent shapes the frequency response to provide adequate phase margin (40-90 degrees) while maintaining fast response time. This parameter change in the transfer function allows low power consumption without sacrificing response time performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the OTA uses a single-stage telescopic cascode structure, then device complexity is reduced, but phase margin control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplifier structureVSAvoidphase margin
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the single-stage telescopic cascode OTA by introducing a capacitive element that creates a second frequency pole. This parameter change in the frequency response allows the simple single-stage structure to achieve controlled phase margin (40-90 degrees), resolving the contradiction between device complexity and phase margin control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution reduces power consumption while maintaining performance, achieving a phase margin of approximately 40-90 degrees and improving response time, thus meeting the requirements of low power operation in mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

A capacitive element is coupled between the first node and the second node. The response includes a second frequency pole based on the capacitive element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3231087B1Low power operational transconductance amplifier
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3231087B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3231087B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3231087B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and an apparatus relating to an amplifier (e.g., an operational transconductance amplifier or OTA) are provided. The OTA includes a first node and a second node. The OTA further includes a differential transistor pair for receiving an input. The differential transistor pair is coupled to the first node and the second node. The OTA includes a pair of output nodes for outputting a response to the input. The response at the pair of output nodes includes a first frequency pole. A capacitive element is coupled between the first node and the second node. The response includes a second frequency pole based on the capacitive element. The second frequency pole is at a greater frequency than the first frequency pole.